Broken Like My Spirit

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Broken piers connect me to my past. In college, I was the coxswain of our rowing team. We rowed on a tidal river that had strong current at times, and our dock was close to an old "basket factory" pier that looked pretty much like your pic. One day, during high tide and strong current, we rowed over the pier, puncturing and sinking our rowing shell. I probably would have thrown in the towel at that point and never gone back if it were not for the support of my team mates, and understanding and support from my coach. We kept the team together and became much stronger after that. We never won many races, but I learned that it is not always about the winning.
So sometimes those obstacles are just challenges.
It is interesting how all things are connected in life-thanks for sharing your photo Laurie.

Frederic Frognier (Deleted) gave props (30 May 2008):

Beautiful landscape

Portia SÃ¶derberg (Deleted) gave props (30 May 2008):

A huge ditto on what Chris so eloquently said. Laurie, what a great photo, inspring for me. Thank you for sharing!

Lovely shot, and look how it evokes such strong commentary. The image, as well as your title are very moving. You have a depth that is touching and sublime. The shot is beautifully composed and very inviting. Thank you, Laurie.

Andrew Lorimer (Deleted) gave props (31 May 2008):

Love this capture Laurie !!! The nice thing about broken spirits they can mend mine did :)

Laurie, this is a very nice shot. Metaphorically though, I see something different. Piers are a designed to be strong, a foundation to which things can be built. They are made to stand the elements, Mother Nature and time. They are things you can lean on, that can carry you and offer support to the load the carry and they span gaps and voids. When I consider your picture and then you as a person who has attached this metaphor too describe yourself, I see the strength and support, the foundation to something extraordinary. I most certainly don not see brokenâ€¦not at any level. It really is a nice shot.

Nelson Campbell (Deleted) gave props (31 May 2008):

Sweet Laurie - read these wonderful words these people have written, and know they are true....hang in there.

The most interesting thing about this shot is it's inspiration. Most people's comments for photos on JPEG are kept to one or two words like "wonderful" or "amazing." The comments for this photo are detailed and filled with as much emotion as the image itself. Now that's art!

I agree with Allen... this shot inspired many here... as it stirred up emotions. A sure sign of great art. Personally, I agree that we are all broken to a certain point... Your capture was of the stongest part of the pier... the foundation, so to me, it's really all about strength and building and less about the broken part...

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